The growth in the number of employees subject to social insurance contributions in the Neckar-Alb region in recent years is mainly due to people without German passports. This is shown by an analysis by the Reutlingen Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
Rapid increase in foreign workers
The IHK has evaluated data from the employment agency. According to this, the number of employees subject to social security contributions in the districts of Reutlingen, Tübingen, and Zollernalb rose from 220,000 to 283,000 between 2010 and 2024, an increase of 28 percent. This includes employees and trainees who are subject to health and pension insurance contributions. A look at nationality reveals that people without German passports are primarily responsible for the increase. Their number rose from 22,000 to 51,000, an increase of 131 percent. For people with German passports, the increase was 17 percent (from 198,000 to 232,000).
Enormous demand for skilled workers
The demand for skilled workers has only been met through immigration in recent years, said IHK CEO Wolfgang Epp. The situation is not going to change. Demographic change is gaining momentum and the baby boomer generation is retiring, Epp continued. “We still need immigration and must work faster to ensure that those who come to us are fit for the labor market.”
In demand in shortage occupations
According to statistics from the employment agency, people without German citizenship often take on shortage occupations. Postal delivery, cleaning, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, metalworking, nursing, and sales are at the top of the list. These occupations are also extremely important for the functioning of a division of labor economy. According to Epp, there has been a shortage of skilled workers in these areas for years. “It’s good that we are finding people who are willing to take on this work.” However, employees without a German passport should not be reduced to these professions. The strongest growth between 2014 and 2024 will be in IT professions such as software developers and programmers.
Further information is available at:
IHK Reutlingen | Analysis of employment trends
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